Best BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer Edger
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If you searched for best blackdecker string trimmer edger, you want to know whether this BLACK+DECKER tool handles both jobs and whether it needs a battery. It is a corded 13-inch string trimmer and edger, model ST8600, with a 5-amp motor. Because it runs on a cord, no battery or charger applies. This review covers the stated specs, the open questions about the edger conversion and cord length, and the safety points from university extension sources for electric trimmers and edgers.
Quick answer
- The listing describes a corded electric string trimmer and edger from BLACK+DECKER, model ST8600, with a 5-amp motor, 7,000 rpm and a 13-inch cutting width.
- No battery or charger is listed, because the tool runs on a cord. The listing does not state the cord length, so measure your run before you buy.
- It suits a yard with sidewalks, borders and flower beds within reach of an outlet, where the listing’s edging and trimming uses apply.
- Skip it if you need to work beyond the cord, want a cordless tool, or need a warranty, since the listing states none.
The product at a glance
The table lists only what the listing states, drawn from the stored scanner record for this ASIN. A cell that says “not stated” means the listing is silent on that point. Where a feature appears only in a bullet, the cell says so.
| Item | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER; the manufacturer field reads Black & Decker Outdoor |
| Model number | ST8600 |
| Title | BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer / Edger, 13-Inch, 5-Amp (ST8600) |
| Power source | Corded electric |
| Motor | 5.0 amp (the title says 5-Amp) |
| Speed | 7000 rpm |
| Cutting width | 13 inches; a bullet calls it a 13-inch trim radius |
| Line feed | Automatic spool feed, per a bullet |
| Modes | Trimmer and edger; a bullet says it converts to a wheeled edger |
| Edge guide | Yes, per a bullet |
| Height handles | Adjustable, per a bullet |
| Drive | POWERDRIVE transmission, per a bullet |
| Item weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Item dimensions | 36.6 in long, 4.9 in wide |
| Included components | ST8600 13-in string trimmer/edger, AF-100 spool, guard, auxiliary handle |
| Recommended uses | Lawn maintenance, backyard care, and sidewalk edging |
| Battery | No battery listed; the power source is corded electric |
| Charger | No charger listed |
| Cord length | not stated |
| Warranty | not stated |
Automatic spool feed and the strike risk
The listing says the tool uses “AUTOMATIC SPOOL FEED technology” so you do not have to bump the head to release line. That is convenient, but it changes how much line you may be carrying. The Virginia Tech guide warns that “Automatic-feed and bump-feed trimmers may release more string than needed. This increases the chances of striking the operator.” It recommends that you “Check the trimmer string length periodically.” Make that check part of your routine, because the feed system releases line on its own schedule and the listing does not say how much line it releases each time.
The edger conversion
A bullet says the tool “easily converts between trimmer and wheeled edger,” and another says the edge guide “provides precise edging.” The included components list names the trimmer and edger head, the AF-100 spool, the guard and the auxiliary handle. It does not name a wheel or a conversion kit. The listing also does not say whether the edger mode uses the string or a blade. Confirm both points before you buy if edging is the main job.
If the edger mode turns out to use a blade, the Virginia Tech guide’s rules for lawn edgers apply. It says to “Do not operate a lawn edger without protective guards or shields in place,” and not to “start an edger with the blade in contact with the ground so as to avoid uncontrolled movement and possible injuries.” The listing includes a guard, so keep it on the tool at all times.
Fence lines, trees and house trim
Edging and trimming near fences, trees and siding is where a trimmer does damage that has nothing to do with the grass. The Oklahoma State trimmer and blower article says these tools “can cause damage to tree trunks, landscape plants, house trim, fences and people.” It adds that “Trimming too close to these things can result in gouges in the surface.” The Oklahoma State teen sheet explains the tree and post problem: “Because of the way trimmers operate, getting too close to trees or fence posts can result in gouges in the post or bark.” Keep the head clear of the surface you are trimming near, and keep the cord out of the path of the head.
Footing and stance on the edge
Edging keeps you working close to hard edges, so footing matters. The Ohio State fact sheet says to “Operate the unit only on stable ground, and maintain good balance and secure footing to avoid potential slips and falls.” The Virginia Tech guide adds “Maintain balance and firm footing. Avoid over-reaching and always keep the string head below waist level.” Reposition your feet rather than stretching, since the guide tells you to avoid over-reaching.
Who it suits
This tool suits a homeowner whose edging work runs along sidewalks, borders and flower beds, which are the uses the listing names. The listing says it “cuts along borders, sidewalks and flower beds.” A corded tool only makes sense when an outlet can reach those edges, which is why the cord check below matters.
It also suits someone who wants a light corded tool. The listing gives 5.4 pounds, and the Virginia Tech guide says that “Electric trimmers are relatively light and easy to maneuver and operate.” The listing presents the adjustable height handles and the edge guide as control features, and those are the points to check by hand before you buy.
Before you buy, check three things against the listing. Confirm that an outlet can reach every edge you plan to trim, because the cord length is not stated. Confirm whether the wheeled edger conversion parts come with the tool, because the included list does not name a wheel. Confirm whether you want a tool that feeds line automatically, since the guide flags that feature for the strike risk.
Skip it if
- You need to work beyond the cord. The Virginia Tech guide says the length of the power cord “limits the area that can be covered,” and the listing does not state the cord length.
- You want a cordless tool. Two cordless options covered on this site are the Black and Decker Cordless Weed Eater 20v and the Dewalt 20v Max Brushless Weed Eater.
- You need a warranty to rely on. The listing does not state one.
- Your edging needs a wheeled edger you can count on without confirmation. The included list names no wheel, so this tool is a poor fit until the conversion parts are confirmed.
What the listing does not say
The listing gives a good set of stated specs, but several points are open. Each one matters before you buy and before you first run the tool.
- Cord length: not stated, so the working radius from an outlet is unknown.
- Warranty: not stated.
- Line size: the spool is named as the AF-100, but the listing does not state the line diameter it takes.
- Output: the listing gives 5.0 amps and 7000 rpm, but no watts and no cutting test figures.
- Wheeled edger: the bullet says the tool converts, but no wheel is named in the included components.
- Edger head: the listing does not say whether the edger mode uses string or a blade.
Safety points from the guides
The listing says nothing about safety, so the points below come from university extension sources. The Oklahoma State teen sheet names the main hazard for string trimmers and edgers: “The major hazard with string trimmers and edgers is two-fold: objects getting launched outward by the trimmer string or edger blade, and the trimmer string or edger blade itself breaking and flying out.” The Ohio State fact sheet adds that “Be aware of bystanders in the event of thrown objects. Allow at least a 50 feet of safe distance.” Clear the area first. The same fact sheet says to “remove all visible stones, sticks, wires or other debris.”
The cord is the hazard that is specific to this model. The Oklahoma State teen sheet explains it: “It’s easy to lose track of where the cord is when you’re in the middle of trimming along a fence line or the edges of a lawn, increasing the chance of tripping over the cord or hitting the cord with the trimmer.” The Virginia Tech guide adds “Watch for exposed electrical wires, communication lines, and power cords that could be struck by the edger.” Plan the cord path so that it stays behind you and out of the edge you are cutting.
Sidewalks bring traffic into the picture. The Oklahoma State trimmer and blower article says: “When edging the lawn next to the road, be aware of traffic.” Wear eye protection as well. The Ohio State fact sheet recommends “Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect the face and eyes from flying debris when using the cutting attachments,” and it also recommends leather gloves to guard against “contact with sharp cutting edges and flying debris.”
How we chose
This post covers one product: ASIN B01MUDO55B, the BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer / Edger that matches the search term. The keyword names this brand and the trimmer and edger tool type, so the reader’s question has one clear product answer. We did not compare it with other trimmers, so this page does not rank it against any other model. The product data is the stored scanner record for this ASIN, checked 2026-10-23. No retail, blog or review page was a source for facts. The safety points come from university extension pages on the same tool type, and each source is dated in the list below.
What we could not verify
We could not verify how the trimmer cuts, how much line the automatic feed releases in use, or how well the edger mode holds a straight edge. The 5.0 amp rating, the 7000 rpm figure and the “POWERDRIVE” wording are the listing’s own statements. The cord length, the warranty terms, the wheeled conversion parts and the line diameter all remain unconfirmed. Read the operator’s manual for the ST8600 before you rely on the safety points, because the guides are general.
FAQ
Does the BLACK+DECKER ST8600 need a battery?
No. The listing gives the power source as corded electric and names no battery or charger. A cord and an outlet are what power it.
How long is the cord?
The listing does not state the cord length. Measure the distance from the outlet to the farthest edge you plan to trim, and allow for slack, before you buy.
Does it convert into an edger?
A bullet says the tool converts between a trimmer and a wheeled edger. The included components list does not name a wheel, so confirm the conversion parts with the seller or the manual before you rely on that function.
What does automatic spool feed mean for safety?
Automatic feed releases line without a bump, and the Virginia Tech guide warns that automatic-feed trimmers “may release more string than needed,” which “increases the chances of striking the operator.” Check the string length regularly.
How wide is the cut?
The listing gives a 13-inch cutting width, and a bullet calls it a 13-inch trim radius. It does not describe how the width is measured or whether it changes in edger mode.
Is it safe to edge beside a sidewalk or road?
Take care. The Oklahoma State trimmer and blower article says to be aware of traffic when edging next to a road, and the Virginia Tech guide says not to operate a lawn edger without its guards or shields in place. Keep the guard on, keep bystanders away and watch for the cord.
Bottom line
Buy this tool only if an outlet can reach your sidewalk and bed edges and you want a corded trimmer that also converts to an edger. If you need cordless reach or a warranty you can count on, choose a different model.
Sources
- BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer / Edger, 13-Inch, 5-Amp (ST8600), Amazon listing as stored by our scanner (opened 2026-10-23) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUDO55B
- Handheld Trimmers and Brush Cutters, Ohio State University Extension fact sheet aex-79037 (opened 2026-10-22) https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79037
- Powered Hand Tools Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide, Virginia Tech Virginia Cooperative Extension publication BSE-50 (opened 2026-10-22) https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/BSE/BSE-50/BSE-50.html
- Beyond The Mower: Safe Use Of Trimmers, Edgers And Blowers, Oklahoma State University Extension (opened 2026-10-22) https://extension.okstate.edu/announcements/grow-gardening-columns/2025/august-24-2025.html
- Lawn Care Safety and Basic Maintenance Tips for Teens, Oklahoma State University Extension (opened 2026-10-22) https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/lawn-care-safety-and-basic-maintenance-tips-for-teens
